“A technical holiday job in Germany. How cool is that!”

Large machines and robots. They have fascinated Christiaan Ven from an early age. Last summer he was able to work with both enthusiasts. Via Dosign Students he found the perfect holiday job. In Germany!

Christiaan studies mechanical engineering at Twente University. Before the summer holidays he obtained his bachelor. He did not have any holiday plans, so he started looking for an interesting holiday job. He found this at Dosign Students. "The contact with Marco Knipscheer of Dosign Students was already there," says Christiaan. "I had worked for Dosign Students before, so Marco already knew where my interests lie. He had the perfect holiday job for me. I was able to work full-time for a company that mainly overhauls electronic car parts. That's right in Germany. How cool is that!”

“Dosign Students found the right job at the right time”

Mechanical engineering student Rick de Wildt found a holiday job in his field of study via Dosign Students. And he is very happy with that: “I didn't expect them to find such a nice job in such a short time!”

With his holiday job Rick spans a period of three months, during which he does not have to study. He explains: “Before the summer holidays I finished the first year of my master's degree. After the holiday I leave for my internship at the University of Melbourne to carry out research in the field of biomechanics. The intervening period, a total of three months, I decided to usefully spend on holiday work.”

“Dosign offer opportunities for any experienced engineer"

"As an industrial engineer Johan Puts strives for one thing in particular: work on engineering as much as possible. At Delfin he gets all the space he can wish for. Johan has an important tip for fellow engineers: go to Dosign and 'do sign'!

Johan started his technical career in 1989, after his studies at Mechelen Industrial College. He went to work respectively as testing engineer and research engineer. In addition, he led projects independently. In recent years these have been especially programming assignments. "Very interesting and challenging," so Johan. "But there was also a downside. As a self-employed engineer I had to control all peripheral issues, such as accounting, acquisition, or getting my invoices settled. That I found troublesome. "

"There is no better start to my technical career"

After completing the dual trajectory at Dosign, it was self-evident to Sjoerd van Aart: he remained connected to Dosign, to work on various projects via a permanent appointment.

Sjoerd followed the dual engineering track Electrical Engineering. He carried out the practical part of this project at Suikerunie in Dinteloord. "Looking back, compared to my previous MBO course, it was quite tough," he says. "But I have undergone an enormous development. At first, I only did draughting work. Eventually I had my own project going, relocating a switch room.

“German companies have confidence in me as a Dosigner"

Pursueing a career in Germany. Project engineer Hein Hendriksen fulfils his ambition with Dosign. “As a Dosigner, I offer something a 'normal' Dutch engineer hardly can draw on: the trust of - and therefore access to - German companies.

Hein's technical career started off in Doetinchem-NL. After graduating in mechanical engineering he went on to work at a machine manufaturer. First as assistant, later as project lead. Hein: “In the nineties, AutoCAD was on the rise. And it really intrigued me. I started to focus on designing and engineering. That's how I soon ended up in the drawing room.”

“Dosign Academy helps me to further develop in my career"

From physics teacher to draughtsman piping: 27-year-old André Kik is currently undergoing this remarkable career change. The two-year Piping Design & Engineering track with Dosign Academy helps him achieve this.

André's technical career began at the age of 24, after completing his advanced college degree in physics. He says: "I had all the papers in my pocket to teach physics at high school. Still, I prefered to go into business. I started working at Hydrauvision Piping BV, a company specialising in hydraulic drives and controls.”

“Good move towards my future career in engineering”

Emma Moonen exchanged her side job at a bakery for a technical student job. Through Dosign Students she works at Spirotech. To her, this has been a good move towards her future career in engineering.

“I study Mechanical Engineering at TU Eindhoven", Emma says. “This broad technical training allows many ways to go. I’ve just completed my bachelor’s degree. Now I’m working on my master's in microsystems. Everything is on a microscale in this field. So, research includes topics such as `lab-on-a-chip´ and `brain-on-a-chip´.”

“Dosign stand by my side, also elsewhere in Europe”

Faiyaz Khan is among the most experienced engineers working on a project basis for Dosign. The London-based chemical engineer has been working in the process industry for more than 36 years, involved in projects in various countries in Europe, Asia and Africa.

Faiyaz came into contact with Dosign when offered a job through an agency at CB&I, on the Shell site in Wesseling (near Cologne). “As neither the recruitment agency nor CB&I had branches or affiliates in Germany, they couldn’t employ me directly", so Faiyaz. “CB&I had then contacted Dosign to offer me a contract for a position at the CB&I Shell site. That was fine with me. The contract conditions were suited to requirements and the Dosign team seemed to be friendly and very forthcoming.”

"Gaining relevant work experience alongside my studies"

Getting experience you don't get at university. For Jeremy Kolijn, third-year student of mechanical engineering, this was the most important reason to work through Dosign Students. "My work at Topec is in line with my studies. At the same time, I experience what is going on in business."

The fact that Jeremy started studying mechanical engineering three years ago was not far-fetched. As a child he had helped his father restoring cars. At the age of fourteen he started tinkering with bicycles and racing bikes, later mopeds and, more recently, his own motorbike. "In mechanical engineering, I can develop in full breadth on a technical level. And I chose the TU Delft as it is highly regarded."

“I missed the challenge and knew Dosign could offer it”

Sander Molenaar already knew at the age of fifteen:"I want to go into process technology". To this day he has kept to this. As Dosigner he carries out projects for renowned clients in the process industry. We talk to him at his current workplace, at a large dairy company in North Brabant.

As a young student he worked at a chemicals transit company."The work appealed to me, so I was looking for a training to fit in with this and chose for mbo process operator. In the summer of 2011, Sander obtained his diploma. A few months later, through Dosign, he was able to work as a process engineer at a globally operating engineering firm.

“Talking with Dosign turned out to be a good decision“

After graduating in Sport Marketing & Management, Loek Visser joined Dosign in January 2017. Now, he is councelling students himself. As a consultant he is closely involved in the dual engineering traineeships.

At first, Loek was sceptical when Dosign called him on his CV. “My experiences with another staff agency were’nt particularly good," he says. Nevertheless, I did talk with Dosign. That turned out to be a good decision. After a number of pleasant conversations, I was offered a job as a consultant in the department Electrical, Instrumentation and Automation engineering.

“I’m glad I still can choose my path ahead”

Casper van der Sluis, Movares

Until recently, Casper van der Sluis (18) had no assistant job stated on his resume. What he had - and still has - is high ambition. And he is a good example of how far this can take you. Working at engineering firm Movares and in addition studying electrical engineering proved to be the ideal combination.

When he enrolled for Dosigns dual traineeship, he wavered between mechanical and electrical engineering. Today, he is glad he chose for the latter. "What I learn at the college is well linked to what I do at Movares at the moment. I work as a data controller in the energy department. Together with my colleagues, I check if Dutch network administrators properly report their failure data, or make mistakes in their measurements, for example. The work is interesting and very current. Lately, a small preview of these figures has been published and that's coming to the news every year. " Casper is currently working on the report, which later will appear in a public version.

"The good salary is an additional asset"

Process engineer Fatih Yurtsever has been familiar with project work right fom the beginning of his career. He enjoys the freedom it allows. Moreover, a number of interesting aspects have been added since he entered contract with Dosign in 2014: a permanent employment relationship, a good salary and attractive working terms.

Fatih studied mechanical engineering in Delft and started his career as a graduate at an engineering firm. There, he gained work experience in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, among other places. "I did basic and detail engineering at various oil & gas projects," he says. "After two years abroad I returned home and started at Cerexagri, a producer of plant protection products for agriculture. I have been working there since 2013. First on assignment basis, since 2014 on a permanent contract with Dosign"

"The training programme fits well with my work"

As a field sales consultant for A-B-T, Bob Assel usually is busy visiting one of his client companies. Once every two weeks though you can find him attending classes at Dosign Academy. Here, he follows the two-year vocational course Instrumentation Engineering. And to his liking: "The training programme fits well with my work and the teachers are very enthusiastic and knowledgeable."

In 2014, Bob completed his studies in Aerospace Engineering successfully. He then went looking for a job where he could combine technology and commerce. Such a position he has found in Tilburg at A-B-T, a specialist vendor of flowmeters with years of experience in virtually every industry. "As a field sales consultant, I visit new or existing customers to discuss applications for which flowmeters are needed," says Bob. "Applications range from measuring the water stream inside a coffee machine up to gauging the amount of gas produced at a North Sea platform."

"With Dosign, never a dull moment"

Piping engineer Chris Lemmens obtained one of his first piping jobs via Dosign. He then could not suspect that a few years later he would belong to the select team of professionals under permanent contract with Dosign. Meanwhile he has been working for six years at large clients such as Spie Controlec, Visser & Smit Hanab and Technip.

Chris has a HBO-college mechanical engineering background and during his training he gained experience at leading companies such as Koni and ExxonMobil. Yet it was not easy to find an adequate job after graduation. Through Dosign he obtained a piping function at JGC Canons Engineering, which later was taken over by Royal Haskoning. After a year, Chris entered permanent employment there.

"My side job enables me to test theory in practice"

It was not far-fetched when Thomas Bloo went to study civil engineering at the TU Delft. The Bachelor student has always been busy with technology. His greatest interest is in hydraulic engineering. He found his dream job through Dosign Students at the Port of Rotterdam.

On the question of how Thomas came to Dosign Students, he replies: "Actually, they ended up with me! A fellow study participated in 'Women in Technology ', the Dosign role models contest for technical students. I had voted on her and left my email address at Dosign. At one point I got an email from Dosign Students. They were looking for civil engineering students for a student job. I was just looking for a substantive part-time job and the description of the tasks appealed to me. I decided to respond."

"The freedom Dosign provide me with is a definite asset"

Bert van Steenbruggen had already gained over 25 years of experience as (piping) designer and site engineer, when in 2014 he entered permanent employment with Dosign. Since then he has worked with great pleasure on various projects in his favourite sector: petrochemicals.

Bert started his technical career in 1976 after graduating from LTS. "I went to work as a machinist," he says. "I came into contact with piping and was immediately fascinated: the work, the field, the welding. I then talked to my boss and soon started working in the piping workshop. Not long after I went into field work to build plants."

"The job at TKF Twente is a great addition to my studies"

Koen van Alphen, master student Mechanical Engineering at TU Enschede, is a mechanical engineer at heart. Also in his part-time job alongside his studies, he is engaging in engineering. Dosign Students helped him to his side job at TKF, the Twente cable manufacturer, which has offered him rewarding insights.

"Creating something out of nothing, I like that," Koen says about his choice of mechanical engineering. "My favourite field is design engineering. It covers the whole range from an idea to a concrete product, like in the process of designing a certain machine. For that matter, for me the systems just can’t be too complex."

“Memorable Jacobs Future weekend in India”

A great experience for our dual trainee Juana Galvan Alonso: In October, she took part in the Jacobs Future Weekend 2016 in Mumbai, India.

Juana follows the Dual Engineering Traineeship "in 4 years engineer" at Dosign. This advanced technical college education in Dutch combines the study with a paid job at a reputable engineering firm. The entire study fees are borne by Dosign. Moreover, the programme includes specialist courses and management training at Dosign. Read Juana’s exclusive report of her Jacobs Future Weekend:

“Through Dosign Freelance I dared to take the plunge”

Jeroen Burgers, ZZP’er via Dosign Freelance

"If you had told me four years ago I would go freelance, I would not have believed a word" says Revit MEP modeller Jeroen Burgers. "Still, I now have been working self-employed for a year and a half already. And not a second of regret. I owe this in particular to Dosign Freelance. "

Jeroen had a permanent job as a technical draughtsman cum work planner at a large installation company, where he came into contact with Revit. There he laid the foundation for what later became his specialty in Revit. He also gained some experience in practice. However, he wanted more and he tentatively sought contact with Dosign, to see what the options were.

“Dosign Freelance offers a complement to my own projects”

Giuseppe Guerrieri, ZZP’er through Dosign Freelance

Giuseppe is proof to the fact that Dosign Freelance also adds value for the experienced independent contractor. In addition to his own projects as electrical and mechanical engineer, he carries out a wide range of projects through Dosign Freelance.

Being your own boss. That was the main reason for Giuseppe to become self-employed. "As a freelancer I have much freedom and variety. I am in charge, I choose and accept an assignment or not. And at times when I have little or no own projects, I enter projects via Dosign Freelance. These are interesting projects at renowned companies in construction, civil, petrochemical and mechanical engineering. Dosign Freelance is a welcome complement to my own projects."

“Dosign Freelance enables me to focus on my core tasks”

In 2014, BIM-designer Ben Hoekstra changed course. Formerly employed at a large installation firm for 15 years, he quit his job and started to work through Dosign Freelance. Supported by Dosign, Ben now is gven the leeway to focus on his core tasks.

“Joining Dosign felt like a natural choice”, Ben explains. “I had worked with Dosign before, and I quite enjoyed it then.” Initially, Ben worked on assignment basis. When his private situation changed, he decided to go freelance. “I’d talked to Mark ’t Hooft of Dosign Freelance. He responded positively and outlined the support Dosign offer to freelancers in engineering. I felt encouraged to take the step and so I did.”

“Nice to get involved with different aspects of my job”

Frank Molenaar, Sparreboom Techniek

Frank Molenaar (21) was already in work for a while, when he realised he still wanted to study. His havo diploma for him felt not sufficient as a base. Then again, stop working sounded not a good idea, as he was quite satisfied with his job. Therefore, he chose for the dual work-learning trajectory of Dosign. Nowadays, he works as a maintenance engineer at Sparreboom Techniek. At the same time, he studies electrical engineering, which he regards as a splendid combination.

"I went for interviews at several companies," so Frank. "Those conversations were very instructive in a way, as I discovered what I do and do not want in my career. Sparreboom Techniek is a compact company, with a staff of about 50. Here, you are a person, not just a calculation unit. And you can build a bond with your colleagues. Moreover, in a small organisation you get the chance to have a look around in other departments. It`s nice to get involved with so many different aspects of my job”

“Recognition stands central at Fluor”

Casper Ottema, Fluor

In September Casper Ottema (23) starts with graduation. Formerly not particularly a top layer student, he now has nearly completed his hbo mechanical engineering, and is faring very well at Fluor. Something he not thought possible, when he left havo at an earlier age.

"I find work much more fun than studying," says Casper. "If I see the reason behind certain activities and a result, I feel much more motivated." During his mbo years, Casper found out that he was aspiring to a career in engineering. He took the reins and received his havo diploma N&G and N&T within one year. After tasting a half year HBO engineering, he decided to switch to the working-learning trajectory of Dosign.

‘A good opportunity to gain practical experience.’

Jeroen van Hoeven, Brabant Water

Jeroen van Hoeven (22) finds that he is a pretty easy learner. Then again, all day with his nose in the books, that is not for him. With a havo diploma in science and technology and six certificates for vwo in his pocket, he could go to university. Yet he chose the work-learning trajectory of Dosign. "I think it offers a very good opportunity to gain practical experience."

During his dual work & study traineeship, Jeroen works at Brabant Water as an apprentice electrical engineering and process automation. In addition, he follows the dual study HBO electrical engineering. It is not easy, he admits. "You need a lot of stamina. I work 28 hours, plus 12 hours at school. I have a girlfriend and like to go ride my motorbike. It is important not to neglect the study. On the other hand, I am getting paid, and when I graduate, I have four years of work experience."

“If you enjoy it, you will eventually get there”

Yorick de Ron, Cargill

After six years of work experience at Defense, Yorick de Ron (25) decided to move ahead. He aspired to go further with technology. But he realised that a marine diploma would not suffice on the job market. When he learned he could become an engineer in four years with Dosign, he seized this opportunity with both hands. Meanwhile he works as a trainee piping engineer at Cargill for a year and a half and studies mechanical engineering.

At Cargill, the international trading company that produces food ingredients, Yorick gets space to develop. "I used to work only with my hands. In Defense, the maintenance of armoured vehicles was part of my job. At Cargill, I learn that the mechanical aspects are much more versatile. I get involved in various projects and work with other departments. I really like that. If you show Cargill what you are able to, they give you more responsibility."

“On the work floor you learn the tricks of the trade”

Jens Andriessen, Cargill

Working as a piping engineer at Cargill: it seems as Jens Andriessen (21) never had done anything else: At 8.30 am he walks to the coffee machine, exchanges weekend experience with his colleagues and waits until his computer is up. Then he starts draughting equipment.

But far from it. Only one and a half years ago, Jens did not know what he wanted to become. "I studied medicine. In my second year, I thought, I do not see myself doing this in life. "He threw in the towel and wanted to go to work. A friend of his recommended Dosign after attending a guest lecture. Thus, Jens came into contact with his consultant. "Dennis sparked my interest in piping engineering. Particularly appealing to me was the prospect of being a sort of spider in the web," so Jens cheerfully. He just gave it a try and started working at Cargill, an international trading company. At the same time, he follows the hbo mechanical engineering study.

“I really enjoy going to my work”

Arjan Mutsears, Movares

In his own view, Arjan Mutsears (18) is ahead of his former fellow students at the havo. He works for 28 hours a week as an engineer at Movares, studying for 12 hours. And he lives in Delft on his own, while some friends still live at home and have a side job.

During the havo he already knew that he wanted to work in engineering. But how could you get there if you prefer practice over school? Arjan was looking for a way to apply theory directly to practice. That opportunity he found at Dosign. After signing the contract, he was able to work as an engineer at Movares Engineering, while at the same time following the four-year hbo electrical engineering programme.

"I appreciate the space I am being given"

Reinier de Vries, Damen Dredging Equipment

After completing his mbo degree in mechanical engineering, Reinier de Vries (22) knew that he had not yet finished learning. He was hungry for more, driven by the feeling that he was missing out on something. Four more years full time in the college? Not for him.

By word of mouth, Reinier heard about the opportunity to work with a company and at the same time to pursue a higher education programme: the Dosign dual traineeships. Meanwhile, he has worked as an engineer at Damen Dredging Equipment for a year and a half. He is in the engineering department where he designs and draughts products together with his colleagues. At the same time he studies hbo mechanical engineering. "It's definitely pretty tough, especially when the exams come closer, but I'm more motivated than ever. What I learn at school, I can instantly apply in my work. I therefore notice that I do not do anything in vain. "

“All at once, I was where I wanted to be”

Edwin van der Veer, Royal Haskoning DHV

Edwin van der Veer (21) was already into his full-time study mechanical engineering when he discovered that a whole week in the school building did not really suit him. He missed the challenge and the coupling of theory with practice.

Switching to a traineeship then? That too was not the right path for him to walk. There appeared to be few to no companies who offered a traineeship on their own. And the dual course of the college started only in year three. That's why Dosign for him came right on cue. "Dosign found exactly the right company for me, all at once I was in the place where I wanted to be."

"I like to grow and be challenged"

Pieter van Eijkeren, Boskalis

During his mbo-training Mechatronics, Pieter van Eijkeren (24) was given the opportunity to find out which kind of work has his heart beat faster. He went for an internship to Dockwise Shipping, a shipping company specialising in marine heavy transport. Meanwhile, a few years on, he is back to his old company.

With Pieter, it was just the other way round. Unlike many other Dosign candidates, he already knew where he wanted to work when he enrolled for the dual work-learning programme. "I had good memories of my time at Dockwise, so I actually knew I wanted to see more of this company. I asked Dosign whether it was possible to get back there through them. To my joy, Dosign could do that."

"I'm getting more and more engineering responsibilities."

Thijs Verlangen, Iv-Oil & Gas

After his mbo-degree in Electrical Engineering, Thijs Verlangen (23) knew for sure: he wanted to study further, but then combined with work: "Through my mbo internships I already had practical experience and this was very good for me. Now I can expand this with a valuable hbo-diploma." Thijs started his dual study in 2012. This programme combines his job at Iv-Oil & Gas in Papendrecht with a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering at Avans Hogeschool.

"Now it's time to experience the practice too"

Pim de Vries (20) has worked for the Sugar Union in Dinteloord for one year. At this location, sugar beet is processed into crystal sugar during the beet campaign (September to the end of January). Outside the campaign period, and Pim plays a major role in the maintenance taking place.

In addition to his studies and working at the Sugar Union, Pim has been able to follow several courses at Dosig Academy, among which AutoCAD 2D and written reporting and time management. In addition he follows the Instrumentation Class monthly. Pim has developed well in various areas over the past year; "I learned a lot about the ordering process, gaining insight into SAP software and into engineering. In addition, I have learned a lot on a communicative level and that is very pleasant in contact with suppliers!"

"I want to focus on stress engineering in the future"

Jessy (23) knows what it is like to follow an hbo study; "After my havo diploma Nature and Health, I started studying hbo Environmental Science in Leeuwarden. After 4 years, I obtained my degree. I missed the engineering aspects within this study and so decided to do another hbo Mechanical Engineering".

And that's how Jessy comes across: a soft-spoken young woman with a 'no words but deeds' attitude. "Because I was used to working, the Dosign dual study was an excellent opportunity for me; A new study in engineering and also gaining equal work experience". As to her future, Jessy is clear: "I would like work on calculation issues. My preference does not go out to a management function. Creating stress calculations and possibly modeling, and that's also possible at Spie. "

'I'm proud of what I've achieved so far'

Carlo (23) from Dordrecht is currently following the Duale Electrical Engineering program, but has already completed a decent course of training. "Because of my speech problem, I started on the VMBO (Electrical Engineering Learning Area) but that was very easy for me. At that time I knew what way I wanted to go; My father was an electrician and I was very excited about it. I chose to follow the MBO 4 Electrical Engineering ".

After some more stages, Carlo's mother saw the advertisement of Dosign about ´In 4 years engineer´ in the newspaper. Carlo: ´A very interesting trajectory, because Dosign bears the costs for the study, and you can also get paid work experience."

'I decided to pick up my study after 15 years'

It is 15 years ago Joris (34) was last seen sitting on a school bench. At that time he had followed a 2 year HBO Electrical Engineering programme after the HAVO, but did not have enough motivation to complete this study. Through his brother, he joined the event industry where he had his own business for 15 years in organising and technically supporting various events.

"A very fun time in which I learned and experienced a lot". But last year he decided he wanted to develop further. "I once again had the motivation to study and decided to pick up the Electrical Engineering study again." Joris read an advertisement of Dosign in the newspaper. 'In 4 years engineer'; A dual HBO study where he would also work. "To me, this was a very interesting combination. Recapture my hbo Electrical Engineering and get work experience all along, everything paid by Dosign! ".